Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds – Cheesy, Crunchy & Low-Carb Delicious

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Published:
02/11/2025
Updated:
02/11/2025

If you’re looking for a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying snack that’s secretly healthy, these crispy broccoli cheddar rounds are your new favorite bite. They’re golden on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with the classic combination of broccoli and cheddar cheese.

These rounds make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish — and they’re perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Made with simple ingredients like broccoli, cheddar, eggs, and almond flour, they’re naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and fiber.

They bake (or air fry!) up perfectly crisp, giving you all the flavor of cheesy broccoli bites without any guilt.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love these crispy broccoli cheddar rounds because they’re so easy to make yet taste like comfort food. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying — everything you want in a savory snack.

They’re also a great way to sneak in veggies for kids or picky eaters. The broccoli blends seamlessly with the melted cheddar, creating a flavorful, crispy texture that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you bake them in the oven or toss them in the air fryer, they’re quick, healthy, and freezer-friendly. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile — serve them as a snack, side dish, or even as low-carb burger buns!

Key Ingredients

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to make these crispy broccoli cheddar rounds:

  • Broccoli: Fresh or frozen florets, finely chopped or pulsed in a food processor.
  • Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show — gives that irresistible cheesy pull and flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together for perfect rounds that don’t crumble.
  • Almond Flour: Keeps the recipe low-carb while adding structure and crispiness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra flavor and helps form a golden crust.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Add savory depth and aroma.
  • Salt & Pepper: To bring out all the flavors.

Optional Add-ins: chopped spinach, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning for extra flair.

Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for the crispiest, cheesiest broccoli cheddar rounds every time.

1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
For oven: preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
For air fryer: set temperature to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Broccoli:
Steam or microwave the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Let cool slightly, then finely chop or pulse in a food processor.

3. Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

4. Shape the Rounds:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture per round and flatten slightly with your hands or the back of a spoon. Place on the baking sheet (or air fryer basket) in a single layer.

5. Bake or Air Fry:

  • Oven: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  • Air Fryer: Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning once for even crisping.

6. Serve Hot:
Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then enjoy! Serve with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli for dipping.

You Must Try These Variations

These crispy broccoli cheddar rounds are incredibly adaptable. Try these flavor twists:

  • Spicy Jalapeño Rounds: Add diced jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Bacon Cheddar Rounds: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
  • Italian Style: Add oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
  • Loaded Veggie Version: Mix in shredded carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Breakfast Rounds: Top with a fried egg or serve alongside sausage.

Pro Tips

  1. Chop Broccoli Finely: The smaller the pieces, the crispier the rounds.
  2. Don’t Oversteam: Too much moisture prevents crisping.
  3. Line with Parchment: Keeps rounds from sticking and helps them crisp evenly.
  4. Flip for Extra Crunch: Turn halfway through for perfect texture.
  5. Let Cool Before Removing: They firm up as they cool.

Nutritional Value

These crispy broccoli cheddar rounds are loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor — all while keeping carbs low.

NutrientAmount (per 2 rounds)
Calories160
Fat11g
Protein12g
Net Carbs4g
Fiber2g

How to Serve

These crispy broccoli cheddar rounds are versatile enough for any meal. Serve them:

  • As a side with grilled chicken or steak.
  • With ranch or marinara as an appetizer.
  • On top of salads for a crunchy, cheesy element.
  • As mini “buns” for sliders or breakfast sandwiches.
  • Alongside soup for a cozy lunch.

They’re crunchy, melty, and so satisfying no matter how you serve them.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F or in the oven for 5 minutes until crisp again.

You can also freeze them — just layer between parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen until hot and crunchy.

Conclusion

These crispy broccoli cheddar rounds are the ultimate low-carb comfort snack — cheesy, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and big flavor, they’re a hit for kids and adults alike.

Whether you bake them for a healthy side or air fry them for a snack, they’re the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Each bite is crispy, melty, and full of cheesy goodness — the perfect proof that healthy eating can still feel indulgent.

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Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Rounds – Cheesy, Crunchy & Low-Carb Delicious

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Golden, crispy, and cheesy — these broccoli cheddar rounds are a delicious low-carb snack or side dish that’s ready in minutes.

  • Author: Nicole Barrett
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rounds 1x
  • Category: Snack, Side Dish, Appetizer
  • Method: Baked or Air-Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1/4 cup almond flour

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment.

2. Steam or microwave broccoli 3–4 minutes and finely chop.

3. Mix broccoli, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, almond flour, and seasonings in a bowl.

4. Scoop 2 tbsp portions and flatten into rounds on baking sheet.

5. Bake 20–25 minutes (flip halfway) until golden and crispy.

6. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen broccoli.

Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for extra crispiness.

Add bacon or jalapeños for flavor variations.

Store in fridge for 4 days or freeze for 2 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 rounds
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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